98 GTP - Motor "Clangs" R & R tips?

I came across a 98 GTP that I bought for next to nothing and now have 3 GPs in my stable. I knew going into it that the motor didn't run. The previous owner took it to a GM dealership who told him the number 1 cylinder didn't have compression. What I found when I got the car was a dead battery and cylinders 1,3, & 5 were missing their spark plugs. No wonder it didn't "run". First thing I did was charge battery and performed a compression test on the engine. The results of the test indicated number 4 had no compression, the other 5 cylinders were reading 165 on the ol' dial gauge. Interestingly, when I removed the spark plug from number 4's cylinder, the electrode was smashed against the center conductor. Uh oh! I installed a fresh set of plugs, turned the engine over, and voila'!! It's alive! "CLANG, CLANG, CLANG" is the sound that motor makes when I barely put any weight on the accelerator pedal. Thrown rod? Busted piston? Don't know - I'd appreciate an opinion. I've also come across a good deal on a 35K long block with an S/C. I am wondering can some one who has pulled a 3.8 S/C give me some advice on what to look for when I pull the motor out? Also, a few questions come to mind. Can I pull it with out the tranny? Do I need to remove the brake master cylinder if I have to pull both the engine and transmission together? Will the harness on the top of engine present any problems?


mark

black 2dr '98 GTP
Red 2dr '99 GP GT
White 4 dr '04 GP GT1

Was the new plug you put in cylinder 4 smashed after you started it? Just curious.

I might have some insight into the situation... I just recently replaced my engine (long story) but the old one was making clanging noises as well... it was due to two cracked front pistons. the engine was also missing, indicating a bad plug. when i took the car in he said the lug had been smashed, there was a bad rod and so on... This occured because i was an idiot and drove way way too fast... sounds to me like you may have bought a car in similar condition. Im will to bet the noise is a piston and u have a have valve problem eatign ur plugs. Im by no means a mechanic, but if this is the problem, you're looking at a lot of machine work to the inside of your block or an entire new engine.

The issue as to what the cause is really isn't important since the engine will need to be changed anyway. Once you get the engine out pull it apart and you should find the problem. Now, the engine in this car needs to be pulled by dripping it from underneath. You will need to support the cradle assembly, remove all the connections including axle shafts and drop the tranny and the engine as an assembly. You will also need to pull the wiring harness from the engine before removing it although if you can unplug the main harness connections you should be able to pull it with the harness intact.

You really can't pull one of these engines from the top so the removal of the other items you stated are a mute point.

You'd have to have to have the car up on a lift to drop the engine, so this couldn't be done "at home"?

Was the new plug you put in cylinder 4 smashed after you started it? Just curious.

I pulled the plug out this morning. I took a cool picture to show what happened to the plug. Unfortunately I found I can't upload pictures. So it took me a while to figure how to set up a website with my I-net provider. Please go to this site to see the photo: http://pageproducer.wildblue.net/eippermx/index.html

You will see that the electrode is smashed against the center conductor. Notice the center conductor is leaning to the side. The surprise for me is the piece of the piston ring that was wedged between the center conductor and electrode when I pulled out the spark plug.

When pulling the engine what is easier or smarter to do - pull the engine from the top or bottom? I will be doing it out in front of the house.

mark


Black 2dr '98 GTP
Red 2dr '99 GP GT
White 4 dr '04 GP GT1

Cool picture!